What We Do

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) creates and promotes a safer, less vulnerable community capable of coping with all hazards and recovering from disasters.

We assess natural and human-caused hazards, risks and vulnerabilities. We write, practice, and revise plans and operating procedures for all aspects of emergency management.

We work closely with neighboring cities as well as regional partners such as King County OEM and the Washington State Emergency Management Division. We collaborate with nonprofit and faith-based organizations, schools, local businesses, and special districts.

We educate and train the community. It is our goal that citizens and their families have the skills, knowledge, and abilities to be prepared for -- and get through -- a disaster.

We operate the city's Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), which is activated for citywide communication and coordination duties in response to an incident.